Episode 6

First into the barn are sisters Carole, Pat and Alison from Shropshire, bringing a treasured relic from their family’s 1970s salon – a retro hairdryer that once belonged to their beloved mum, Dorcus. For years, this iconic pink dryer sat at the heart of a much-loved family business. It later played a key role in the sisters’ weekly pampering sessions at home with their mum. But after decades of service, its electrics are shot, the upholstery is in tatters, and the chair is missing its backbone. Upholsterer Sonnaz, metalworker Dom and electrics whizz Mark join forces to give this 70s centrepiece a dazzling revival worthy of Dorcus herself.

From Salisbury, Jonny arrives with a fragile silk rugby flag dating from a 1936 international match between Ireland and England. The flag itself is beautiful, but the story behind it is truly extraordinary. Jonny only learned of its history when, over pints in the pub with his friend Ollie, it emerged that Ollie’s grandfather had captained England, just as Jonny’s own grandfather had captained Ireland. In a remarkable twist, they worked out that their respective grandfathers had led their countries in the 1936 international – and that this flag had in fact been presented by Jonny’s grandfather to Ollie’s grandfather. After Ollie’s tragic death, his family gave Jonny the flag in his memory, but its 90 years have left it badly faded and horribly fragile. Textiles conservator Rebecca Bissonnet has the daunting task of saving the threadbare banner so it can once again fly proudly as a symbol of friendship and remembrance.

Next, Kamal from London brings in a delicate collection of hand-carved Nigerian figurines, bought by her late mother during their childhood years in Lagos. The intricately carved miniature figures capture typical scenes of village life – fishermen, cooks and market traders, and Kamal’s early years are filled with happy memories of playing with them. The years have not been kind to these precious pieces – there are lost limbs, missing heads and faded colours. But for Kamal and her mum, Bhajan, they remain a link to a happy past and to Kamal’s father and brother, who have both since passed away. David Burville takes on the tricky task of painstakingly rebuilding the tiny carvings, replacing the missing parts and restoring their vibrant warmth, ensuring this miniature world – and the family’s memories – can live on.

Finally, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, brass band musician Samantha brings a battered leather cornet case once owned by her great-grandfather Walter S Wilson. The case has seen four generations of active service, but it is now cracked, torn and in dire need of care and attention. Leather expert Suzie Fletcher rebuilds the spine and straps, nourishes its weary hide and restores Walter’s gleaming gold initials. Samantha returns to reunite the case with her great-grandfather’s cornet, and to play a tune in his honour, continuing a family tradition that has spanned more than a century.